Mel Gibson to Produce Film About Judah Maccabee

Mel Gibson, king of prejudiced rants, is developing a film about a Jewish warrior. He will produce the film for Warner Bros. via his Icon Productions. Joe Eszterhas, the writer for Basic Instinct and Showgirls, has been tapped to write the historical war piece.

The film will follow Judah Maccabee and his warrior brothers who led a revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The subsequent victory and renovation of the Holy Temple are celebrated by Hanukkah.

Jewish leaders are none too pleased by the news that Gibson is attached to the project. The Anti-Defamation League’s Abraham Foxman told The Hollywood Reporter, “It would be a travesty to have his story told by one who has no respect and sensitivity for other people’s religious views.”

Got news tips for Paste? Email news@pastemagazine.com.